What is a Tire Inspection Checklist?

A tire inspection checklist is a tool that outlines a set of guidelines used to ensure the safety, performance, and compliance of vehicles or heavy machinery. It helps identify issues early by checking tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition. That includes looking for cracks, bulges, punctures, uneven wear, or embedded objects—anything that could compromise operation or lead to costly failures.

Importance

Tire inspections are essential in nearly every industry that relies on vehicles. Safety is a top priority, as incorrect tire pressure, uneven treads, and air leaks can lead to serious workplace accidents. Regular vehicle inspections, especially through the help of checklists, also help vehicles and machinery run more efficiently and last longer, ultimately reducing repair and replacement costs. In high-use environments, a well-maintained tire can be the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime.

Different Types of Tires

Different types of tires require different types of inspections, since every tire varies in tread patterns, air pressure requirements, or load capacity. It depends on the industry and the type of fleet, but all tires need inspections for optimal safety and performance.

Some common types of tires include the following:

• Truck Tires – Designed for long-haul, delivery, and freight vehicles, built to handle heavy loads and extended use in logistics and transportation

• Off-the-Road (OTR) Tires – Built for mining, construction, and other heavy-duty applications, designed to perform on rough and uneven terrain

• Agricultural Tires – Found on tractors, harvesters, and other farm machinery designed for traction and stability while moving through soil

• Passenger Vehicle Tires – Used on everyday cars, SUVs, and company fleet vehicles, designed for comfort, control, and consistent road performance

• Industrial Tires – Found on forklifts, warehouse carts, and other indoor equipment designed for smooth surfaces and tight maneuvering

• Motorcycle Tires – Used on two-wheelers for deliveries, patrols, and employee transport, built for balance and agility on the road

• Aviation Tires – Installed on aircraft for takeoffs and landings, engineered to withstand high loads and require strict tread and pressure checks

What to Include in a Tire Inspection Checklist

A tire inspection may be just one part of vehicle maintenance, but it plays a critical role in keeping vehicle operators, inspectors, and other workers safe.

A complete tire inspection should include the following:

• Tire Pressure – Check for proper inflation based on manufacturer specs.

• Tread Depth – Measure to ensure it adheres to your industry standards.

• Tire Condition – Look for cracks, cuts, punctures, or embedded objects.

• Sidewall Damage – Inspect for bulges, abrasions, or cracks.

• Valve Stems – Inspect for dents, leaks, or missing caps.

• Tire Wear Patterns – Look for uneven wear that could indicate alignment or suspension issues.

• Tire Rotation – Confirm tires have been rotated regularly to promote even wear.

• Alignment and Balance – Note if the vehicle pulls to one side or if there are vibrations.

• Tire Age – Check the DOT code; replace tires that are too old.

• Spare Tire Condition – Inspect the spare tire’s pressure and condition, if applicable.

• Compliance with Traffic Regulations – Ensure all tire-related standards meet legal and safety requirements for your region or industry, if applicable.

Sample Tire Inspection Report

Below is an example of a completed tire inspection checklist:

Tire Inspection Checklist Sample Report | SafetyCulture

Tire Maintenance with Digital Tools

A maintenance technician or safety officer can easily use a digital checklist to inspect every tire asset they manage. These checklists can seamlessly integrate into organizations’ existing systems, provide quick results, and even include photo evidence of issues that need to be flagged immediately.

Tracking is also crucial for vehicle maintenance due to the many moving parts involved. That’s why asset management and proper storage are key to effective tire inspections. Improving asset visibility, simplifying compliance, and scheduling preventive maintenance for both active and spare tires are essential for extending tire life and reducing downtime.

Sensors can also support in-depth tire inspections. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) provides real-time information, such as air pressure levels, directly to the driver. Other sensors can measure optimal load and tire strain, which is especially useful for heavy-duty vehicles. Sensor data can also integrate with fleet management systems to help track maintenance, schedule inspections, and store an asset’s service history.